The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is seeking applicants for a Speech Writer and Content Specialist for the Communications Unit. The incumbent will join a dynamic team of communications professionals working to advance and showcase the incredible work and achievements of the OAG and its dedicated staff. This position has a heavy emphasis on writing and the creation of various written content including but not limited to speeches, talking points, op-eds, press releases, quotes, and briefing memorandums for the Attorney General. The Speech Writer and Content Specialist must possess exceptional writing and editorial skills as they are responsible for critical content, including leading the production of the bi-monthly OAG agency newsletter. They are also responsible for the creation of official letters and certificates from the Attorney General. The Speech Writer and Content Specialist is responsible for reviewing OAG publications and other originally produced written content including on all agency social and digital media platforms.
The Speech Writer and Content Specialist must be an expert at researching facts, topics, and statistics to develop writing speeches and op-eds using appropriate structure and flow; creating engaging and informative speeches and talking points; ensuring speech content reflects the voice and tone of the speaker; taking feedback from the speaker and other team members and incorporating feedback in speeches and talking points. The candidate may occasionally, based on their experience and interests, assist the Communications Director and Deputy Communications Director in proactively pitching positive story ideas to local, regional, national and international media outlets.
The Speech Writer and Content Specialist will also assist in developing office-wide communications, messaging, and content on behalf of the Attorney General and for the OAG on our internal newsletter and intranet and public-facing website and social media pages, publications, and other messaging materials that are disseminated to the public or within OAG. The Speech Writer and Content Specialist will review and ensure external and internal content is reflective of the Attorney General’s priorities and voice and reflects the mission and values of the OAG.
EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS: The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Creative Writing, Political Science, Communications or a related field and a minimum of five years’ experience in speechwriting and/or media relations. Must be a highly creative and engaging storyteller; have a sense of curiosity and a range of interests; able to critically think about the issues; possess superior writing and editing ability; and must be able to provide examples of previous work for review and consideration. In-office work will be required at headquarters located in Baltimore, MD. The position provides some regular telework opportunities. Off-site work will also be required, based upon the event calendar. The candidate must have a valid driver’s license.
SUBMISSION: Interested persons should submit a resume and cover letter by close of business day Thursday, July 25, 2024, to Jennifer Donelan, Director of Communications at jdonelan@oag.state.md.us. Please write “Speech Writer and Content Specialist” in the subject line.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: The successful candidate will be eligible for subsidized health benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage) and life insurance; leave, including annual (vacation), personal , sick, and paid parental leave, ; and will be eligible for participation in a contributory defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after ten years State employees are eligible to participate in two supplemental retirement plans: the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and the 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan. The State also offers a free mass transit benefit for local bus and express bus services.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $78,919.00 - $127,473.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Education:
Experience:
- Speech writing/media relations: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Maryland Driver's license (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Baltimore, MD 21202